Re: The Cognitive Benefits of Interacting With Nature

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/27/2008 2:59:18 A.M. Central America Standard ,

Carruthersjam@... writes:

Unlike natural

environments, urban environments are filled with stimulation that

captures attention dramatically and additionally requires directed

attention (e.g., to avoid being hit by a car), making them less

restorative.

****

A colleague of mine has his advanced degree in 'outdoor education.' His

focus is on using nature to supply a whole new dynamic for kids who have never

really experienced life beyond the streets. He believes that drug prevention

programs such as D.A.R.E. aren't effective because they offer nothing positive

to say " YES " to. In other words, we offer no good alternatives to bad

choices.

His alternative was a program he called " Hooked on Fishing. " He would take

kids who've had gang and substance abuse problems and literally 'take them

fishing' He would describe how some of the toughest street kids had trouble

coping with this whole new environment. His point was that these kids knew

how to control and manipulate the streets, but life literally outdoors was an

experience that required a new perspective and a different set of coping

skills.

I don't know the long term effectiveness of his program, but I recall asking

him what the 'take-away' lesson was for these kids. His response: " They've

learned that there is a big difference between " fishing " and " catching. "

His point was that kids who have grown up being 'outcomes driven' learned to

become 'process appreciative.'

And for kids who believe they could be dead the next day from random

violence in their neighborhoods, maybe finding just one little thing to look

forward

to, like nothing more dramatic than the movement of a bobber, makes good

sense.

Ken Jakalski

Lisle HS

Lisle, IL USA

[Guest guest]

> Hi Ken,

You wrote;

>

> A colleague of mine has his advanced degree in 'outdoor education.'

> His

> focus is on using nature to supply a whole new dynamic for kids who

> have never

> really experienced life beyond the streets. He believes that drug

> prevention

> programs such as D.A.R.E. aren't effective because they offer

> nothing positive

> to say " YES " to. In other words, we offer no good alternatives to bad

> choices.

Telle -- especially when the immediate outcomes to " bad " choices are

euphoria.

>

> His point was that these kids knew

> how to control and manipulate the streets, but life literally

> outdoors was an

> experience that required a new perspective and a different set of

> coping

> skills.

Telle -- And not a bad " outcome " for not taking drugs.

>

>

> I don't know the long term effectiveness of his program, but I

> recall asking

> him what the 'take-away' lesson was for these kids. His response:

> " They've

> learned that there is a big difference between " fishing " and

> " catching. "

Telle -- And maybe a better life beyond the " hood " ?

>

> His point was that kids who have grown up being 'outcomes driven'

> learned to

> become 'process appreciative.'

Telle -- " process appreciative " is the ultimate outcome. The ideal

mindset.

> And for kids who believe they could be dead the next day from random

> violence in their neighborhoods, maybe finding just one little thing

> to look forward

> to, like nothing more dramatic than the movement of a bobber, makes

> good

> sense

Telle -- Right!

Jerry Telle

Lakewood CO USA